For most people it doesn't matter, because most non-retired people with investments are well above the top of the 15% bracket.

Turbo tax was quite clear on this. I well know because I had to do some fancy footwork to stay in the 15% bracket the last 2 years.

Play with it in TurboTax (for 2012). Enter $10,000 of dividends and other income to get taxable income of $70,699 (married-joint). Then add $2 more income to bump the T.I to $70,701. The tax jumps a whole lot, because the entire $10K of dividends is now taxed.

Announcements

When Life Gives You Lemons
We all have had hardships and made poor decisions. The important thing is how we respond and grow. Read the story of a Fool who started from nothing, and looks to gain everything.

Work for Fools?
Winner of the Washingtonian great places to work, and Glassdoor #1 Company to Work For 2015! Have access to all of TMF's online and email products for FREE, and be paid for your contributions to TMF! Click the link and start your Fool career.